This document applies to alarming radiation detection instruments that are pocket-sized, carried on the body and used to detect and indicate the presence and general magnitude of gamma radiation fields. Neutron detection may also be provided.

Personal Radiation Devices (PRDs) alert the user to the presence of a source of radiation that is distinctly above the measured average local background radiation level. They are not intended to provide a measurement of the ambient or personal dose equivalent rate.

The object of this document is to describe design and functional criteria along with testing methods for evaluating the performance of the PRDs used for detection of illicit trafficking of radioactive material (e. g., for border radiation monitoring).

This document does not apply to the ambient or personal dose equivalent rate meters which are covered in IEC 60846‑1 or IEC 61526, respectively. If the manufacturer states that the PRD can be used for radiation protection purposes, compliance with IEC 60846‑1 or IEC 61526 will be needed.